Bicycle handlebar assembly with integrated oleo-hydraulic controls

Abstract

The bicycle handlebar assembly comprises a handlebar rod and at least one oleo-hydraulic group for controlling on-board bicycle equipment; the oleo-hydraulic group is housed inside the handlebar rod.The internal housing in the handlebar rod overcomes any problems of bulk of the oleo-hydraulic group. Moreover, thanks to the relatively large size of the handlebar rod, the dimensional constraints imposed on the designer are much less stringent with respect to controls associated directly to the brake lever; it is thus relatively easy to make controls capable of exerting very large forces.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims the benefit of Italian Application No. MI2013A000950, which was filed on Jun. 10, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a bicycle handlebar assembly.BACKGROUND[0003]In modern bicycles, in particular in high-performance ones, it is becoming increasingly common to use on-board equipment that uses oleo-hydraulic controls. This is the case for example of disc braking systems, in which the force necessary to obtain adequate braking by the closing of the calipers on the discs is too high to be exerted with the usual cable systems, controlled by the cyclist's hands. With these braking systems, therefore, the force exerted by the cyclist's hand is transferred to an oleo-hydraulic group; more specifically, a piston is actuated that places oil inside a cylinder under pressure. The pressurised oil is then transferred through suitable tube...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The technical effect of the patent is that the handlebar rod has a large size, which makes it easier to create controls that can apply high forces. Additionally, a cable adjustment device allows for adjusting the pressure of the oil based on the brake cable's traction.

Problems solved by technology

In this way, however, oleo-hydraulic groups can be a hindrance to the cyclist while the bicycle is in use, due to their bulk, as well as making its aesthetic appearance less pleasing.

The Applicant has realised, however, that oleo-hydraulic controls directly associated to the brake lever do not have problems of bulk only if the size of the cylinders is contained within fairly low limits; in practice, the designer is forced to use very small cylinders, which can reduce braking performance, or to accept a bulk that is still inconvenient.

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